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Halal Supermarket in France Told to Sell Pork and Alcohol or Face Closure
A halal supermarket in France has been ordered to start selling pork and alcohol or face being shut down.
Good Price discount store in north-west Paris has been accused of breaching the conditions of its lease by not acting as a general food store, the local housing authority has claimed.
It argues that the local community in Colombes are not being served properly at the shop if no pork or alcohol products are sold there.
[...] The shop is allegedly prioritising a certain group within society which breaches the country's principles, the authority said.
Source: Metro
Cannes Bans "Burkinis" Over Suspected Link to Radical Islamism
The mayor of Cannes in southern France has banned full-body swimsuits known as "burkinis" from the beach, citing public order concerns.
David Lisnard said they are a "symbol of Islamic extremism" and might spark scuffles, as France is the target of Islamist attacks.
France is on high alert following a series of incidents including July's truck attack in nearby Nice.
Anyone caught flouting the new rule could face a fine of €38 (£33). They will first be asked to change into another swimming costume or leave the beach.
Source: BBC News
(Score: 2) by sjames on Sunday August 14 2016, @05:45PM
They are also catering to a subset of the local population. Native born french with no sense of culinary adventure.
(Score: 2) by janrinok on Monday August 15 2016, @07:14AM
You do realise that cuisine world-wide is measured against the standards of a French company who devised a system of assessing the cuisine in France - the Michelin star? French cuisine is famous all over the world. Many of the top chefs are also French.
To suggest, if I am reading it correctly, that native born French people do not appreciate fine cooking or are lacking in a sense of adventure is a well wide of the mark, although I do accept that the description could be applied to a small subset of any country. However, French cuisine is based on quality rather than quantity - the large portions served in many other countries are viewed with horror here and suggest gluttony rather than refined dining. As a result there are far fewer overweight people in France than might be common elsewhere.
(Score: 2) by sjames on Monday August 15 2016, @08:41AM
I am aware of Michelin and have no problems with them or their guide book. I also have no problems with French cuisine. If one is looking for French cuisine, I have no doubt the ingredients can be found in many shops in France. If one is looking for other cuisine, you might have to find a specialty store. But yes, if that's all you're ever interested in, it does suggest a lack of a sense of culinary adventure.
The idea that every little store serves 100% of the food interests of all of the local people is a bit unlikely, shall we say, given an influx of immigrants and hopefuls.
(Score: 2) by janrinok on Monday August 15 2016, @11:25AM
I live in France. I have little problem buying ingredients for European, Asian, African, Caribbean, or even American cuisine - well actually the latter can be slightly difficult because they tend to contain too much salt or sugars to meet EU recommendations and tastes. There are specialty stores which are very well stocked, but most supermarket chains (Carrefour, Leclerc, etc) have a adequate supply of ingredients. I am the sole cook in my household and I produce a very mixed menu for my wife and I.
But I dare say there are many here who do not have such an eclectic palate. And in rural areas some things are harder to find than others.
(Score: 2) by sjames on Tuesday August 16 2016, @06:18AM
I get the feeling that the supermarket in question is much smaller than either of those.
I feel fortunate here that we have several significant immigrant communities around here so the markets do carry a wide variety (no lutefisk). Alas, sushi grade fish is a fair drive away. My wife does much of the cooking but I take over some days and I'm the designated pastry chef (well, I cook the desserts anyway).
Sadly, far too many people here seem to have lost the art of cooking and become dependent on microwave food. Slowly the pendulum is swinging, in part due to the Food Network helping people learn what their parents should have taught them.